A large number of Tauranga households have received an incorrect Tsunami evacuation map, due to a delivery error by New Zealand Post.

'We apologise for the incorrect deliveries which were due to human error on our part,” says Northern General Manager for New Zealand Post Michael Lewis.

'We will be working with the Council to fix this and redeliver the right packs to the right addresses.”

Tauranga City Council engaged a third party, who employed the services of New Zealand Post, to facilitate the mail out, says a statement from the council.

The intention was that each household within the tsunami evacuation zone would receive a letter and a relevant map (either Mount Maunganui, Bayfair, Papamoa or Papamoa East).

Due to the delivery error, not all residents received the most relevant map for their location.

Over the coming weeks Council will work with New Zealand Post to ensure the correct maps are delivered to all households in the evacuation zone from Mauao to Papamoa East, at no expense to ratepayers.

Paul Baunton, Manager: Emergency Management, says planning your tsunami evacuation route is an important step in ensuring the safety of you and your family.

'We suggest residents keep hold of the maps, even if they are for other locations. You never know where you may be in the event of a major tsunami, so knowing your nearest safe location and the best route to get there is sensible.”

All maps are available online at tauranga.govt.nz/tsunami.